Seattle Times on ferry crisis: ‘That’s life’

The editorial page of The Seattle Times on Tuesday continued its penchant for being long on criticism and short on specifics when it comes to government budgets that are in crisis.

The Times doesn’t like Gov. Chris Gregoire’s plan to shift responsibility for oversight and operations of Washington State Ferries to a regional body with its own taxing authority. That’s fine – lots of Democrats and Republicans in the state Legislature also say the governor’s idea is a non-starter. Echoing these lawmakers, The Times says ferries are a statewide responsibility, just as building new interstate bridges are.

“Regarding the ferries, that part not covered by fares, or by federal grants, should be covered by state taxpayers generally,” The Times editorial states. “How to do it in the 2011-13 biennium is a problem. The state will not be able to do all it wants, and the ferry system will be short. That’s life – and it’s the same problem the other state agencies have. The ferry system should fight it out for funding, the same as other state programs.”

Fairview Fanny doesn’t offer any suggestions. Would they support further fare increases? They don’t really say. Would they be OK with further reductions in runs, or axing entire routes? How about privatizing the system, as some lawmakers have suggested?

No word on that.

And how should lawmakers prioritize as they deal with a broken budget?

The ferry system – the nation’s largest – gets its money from the state transportation budget. That spending plan is funded mainly by the gas tax, federal funds and bond sales. It’s also how Washington pays for its roads. Does The Times think maintaining ferry service is more important than replacing the 520 bridge? Another $2 billion is needed from some place to make that replacement a reality. It’s with projects like this that WSF, which has a $180 million deficit in its operating budget over the next 10 years and an $865 million shortfall in its capital program, must compete.

And speaking more broadly, which other agencies should the ferry system “fight it out” with? The state’s universities and colleges, which will likely soon raise tuitions beyond the means of many Washingtonians? The human services agencies that provide things for the poor, sick and elderly? The state’s prison system, which is already closing institutions?

The budget’s a mess, to be sure. But if The Times wants its opinions to be taken seriously, it has to start offering suggestions along with the jabs.